West Lindsey District Council is now considering the application. If approved, the school will take its first wave of 60 pupils in January next year.

When fully operational, the school will cater for up to 160 pupils from nursery through to Year 6. There will also be childcare available all year round.

"We're not going to be a through school but we will be preparing our pupils for the next step in their educational journey, whatever that may be," said Mrs Ford.

"We want to be able to cater for each child's individual needs and what they want to do next after Burton Hathow."

The school will be set in picturesque woodland on the site of an old farm, with outdoor learning playing a key role in its ethos.

Pupils will also be taught the importance of caring for the environment and understanding the world around them, combining "real-life skills" with academia.

Playtimes and sports sessions will also take place in the wood.

Specialist coaching will be offered for the 11-plus examinations, which are necessary for applications to the county's grammar schools.

There will also be a focus on interview techniques for those seeking scholarships and common entrance preparation.

Mrs Ford said: "Before putting together the application we had to make sure there was a demand for the school and we had a huge amount of interest.

"I am thrilled we have such a strong team that I wholeheartedly trust to deliver the very best educational experience in such a wond- erful countryside setting." Mrs Ford also said that the school was being supported financially through "significant investment by people committed to the provision of high quality education in this innovative setting".

It will also have links with other independent schools throughout the UK and some of Lincolnshire's state and grammar schools.

There will be an information evening for parents to find out more about Burton Hathow at the end of September.